Breakfast at Tiffani Thiessen’s

The former teen idol shares her favorite family recipes in a new cookbook

Written by Kim Peiffer

We fell in love with her in the ’90s as America’s high school sweetheart in Saved by the Bell, but fast-forward to 2018 and the lovefest with Tiffani Thiessen is taking on a new shape. Now, the actress, wife, and mother has added cookbook author extraordinaire to her repertoire.

To me, it’s a scrapbook of memories and recipes from my life that I’ve been excited to share with everyone who’s followed me along my journey.

Pull Up a Chair: Recipes from My Family to Yours

What inspired you?

Many things inspired me, from my family and friends to some of my favorite chefs. Traveling and restaurants where I’ve fallen in love with dishes that inspire ideas. Growing my own fruit and veggies and creating recipes that are in season.

What’s a typical day in the life of Tiffani like?

Oh, gosh, there is no “typical” day in my world. Ha! It could be anything from being on set or traveling for work. But when I’m home, which is most often, it starts with a cup of coffee and snuggles with my kiddos.

What’s your favorite time of day?

Anytime I’m hanging with my kids and hubby at home. Every moment with them is my favorite time of the day.

What’s your all-time favorite thing to cook with your family?

Making pizza is one of our favorite things to do in the Smith home. My kids call it “decorating.”

What would your last meal on earth be?

That’s a hard one. Probably a gorgeous cheese and charcuterie board with a nice big glass of wine!

What do the holidays look like for you? Do you host? What do you make?

My mom passed the hosting torch on to me many years ago, but both she and my aunt still help out in the kitchen. Along with a turkey, either smoked, baked, or fried, we are always sure to make my sour cream mashed potatoes, Mom’s cream cheese pie, and my aunt’s green beans. And no holiday is complete without my sun-dried tomato and fennel stuffing.

Sun-Dried Tomato and Fennel Stuffing

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

That my recipes give them confidence in the kitchen.

What is the number one thing you would tell your younger self if you had the chance?

Don’t sweat the small stuff.

What’s the biggest lesson that cooking has taught you?

How much food can bring people together.

Walk me through the story of the biggest/funniest disaster that’s ever happened in your kitchen.

My oven not working on Thanksgiving and having to schlep all of my food to my neighbor’s house to cook. Thankfully they weren’t
using theirs!

What does a perfect night look like for you?

Making dinner with the family.

What’s the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?

After the usual…hug—my husband’s good morning—I snuggle my kids, then make breakfast.